Tire-tightener



( No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

J. N. PARKER. TIRE TIGHTENER.

No. 434,947. Patented Aug. 26,1890.

N0 Model.)

2 Shets-Sheet ,2. J. .N. PARKER.

TIRE TIGHTENER.

No. 434,947. Patented Aug. 26,1890.

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JAMES N. PARKER, OF EIJKI-IART, INDIANA.

TIRE-TIGHTENE R.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 434,947, dated August26, 1890 Application filed March 12, 1890. Serial No. 343,590 (Nomodel.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it, known that 1, JAMES N. PARKER, of

Elkhart, in the State of Indiana, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Tire-Tighteners; and I do hereby declare the followingto be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such aswill enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make anduse the same.

My invention relates to an improvement in and combinations andarrangements of parts,

as hereinafter set forth, and pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a view of. my improvedtiretight ener, showing the manner in which the same is applied to awheel. Fig. 2 is an inner face view of one-half of the device. Fig. 3 isa sectional View.

A A represent two clampingblocks adapted to be clamped to a spoke of awheel, as here inafter explained. Each block A is provided on its innerface with a recess a, adapted to conform to the contour of a spoke, andin 'each recess a a washer b, of leather or other suitable material, isinserted to prevent the spoke from becoming marred by the metallicblocks. The washers a are extended beyond the top and bottom of theblocks, and, being bent over the top and bottom of the blocks, areprovided with perforations for the reception of screws 0, which screwsenter screw-threaded perforations in the blocks, and thus secure thewashers in place in the curved recesses a.

In each end of each block A is an elongated recess d, and at oppositesides of one of the slots d of each block A an ear e is made.

Pivotally connected between each pair of cars e by means of pins f is abolt g. These bolts are adapted to be swung into the slots e when theblocks are placed in position on a spoke, and are screw-threaded attheir outer ends for the reception of nuts h, by means of which saidblocks may be tightly clamped to a spoke, washers 2' preferably beinginserted between the nuts 71, and the blocks A.

Projecting centrally from the outer face of each block A is a boss j,the upper ends of which bosses are preferably flush with the upper edgesof the blocks. screw-threaded perforation is made for the reception of ascrew B, each having a square portion k for the reception of a wrench,by means of which to operate said screws.

To the upper or outer end of each screw 13 a head O is swiveled. Theupper or outer face of the heads 0 are made concave to conform tothe'contour of the felly of a wheel, and a portion of the periphery ofeach head 0 is made with a flat face Z, to permit the free passagebetween them of a spoke.

The device being constructed as above set forth, it is clamped to aspoke in the manner before stated, and the heads G are made to bearagainst the felly D atopposite sides of a spoke E.

The outward pressure exerted by the device upon the felly can readily beregulated by manipulating the screws 0. When the felly is thus forcedoutwardly, a washer of leather or other suitable material will be inserted between the folly and shoulder of the adjacent spoke. Thisoperation may be repeated at different points (preferably four)throughout the periphery of the Wheel until the tire becomessufficiently tightened.

A tire-tightener thus constructed is very compact, as well as easy andeffective in operation.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is

1. In atire-tightener, the combination, with a pair of clamping-blocksadapted to fit the spoke of a wheel, said blocks having recesses intheir sides, and a bolt pivoted to each block and adapted to enter therecessed sides of the blocks and secure the two blocks together, ofscrews in the blocks having swiveled concaved heads thereon to receivethe felly of the wheel, substantially as set forth.

2. In a tire-tightener, the combination, with a pair of clamping-blockshaving their adjacent faces recessed vertically and faced with washers,and having bolt-recesses in their In each boss j a In testimony whereofI have signedlthis specification in the presence of two subscribingitnesses.

JAMES N. PARKER. Witnesses:

F. W. WILOOX, JOSEPH HENRY.

